Even though divorce is quite common today and many couples delay marriage, one survey shows that 72% of those who reunite stay together. If this trend continues, maybe one day we will see a resurgence of married couples in our society. In a rather vague way, remarriage illustrates something God promised His ancient people Israel—and something from which we may draw a lesson even today. In Isaiah chapter 54, we read of God’s promise to re-engage with His estranged people. He said, “‘Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. … For your Creator will be your husband; the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. For the LORD has called you back from your grief—as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,’ says your God. ‘For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,’ says the LORD, your Redeemer.” Just as God promised to reestablish the people of Israel when they repented, He offers to restore those today who may have wandered away from Him. Though we sin, He has mercy and pardon when we confess our sins, repent, and turn back to Him. He is willing to forgive us because His Son Jesus paid for all our sins when He suffered and died on the Cross.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
